TEN TRY BLAST WIPES OUT HEATH

Heath travelled to bottom club North Ribblesdale looking to secure points in their quest to stay in Yorkshire 1 but did not expect what was to come from a revitalised Ribb side fresh from an away victory over Middlesbrough the previous week and sporting several new faces. Heath travelled with only sixteen players and arrived late so pre match preparations were difficult and this showed as they were down by 10 points in the first 10 minutes through a penalty and converted try as they made elementary mistakes in vital areas. The visitors tried hard to get organised with Ezra Hinchliffe, who started at inside centre, prominent and Andy Piper and Fergus Marsden making strong runs. Jacob Storey saved a certain try for the home side after 15 minutes but with Heath players all over the place Ribb had the simplest of tries on 17 minutes to lead 17-0. From the re-start things got even worse for the visitors when Martyn Barnes was sin binned for a dangerous challenge and as Ribb pushed forwards a penalty saw the score move on to 20 points on 20 minutes. The large contingent of Heath supporters were beginning to fear the worse. On 25 minutes Hinchliffe converted a penalty and after Gareth Owen came on for the injured Si Brown another penalty from Hinchliffe saw the deficit reduce to 20-6. Could Heath have turned the corner was being asked by all but Ribb replied with a third try to lead 25-6. As half time approached Ribb thought they had scored their bonus point try in the corner but referee Mike Ramsden ruled it out and blew for half time, much to the relief of the visiting players and supporters. Heath re-organised positions and came out for the second half hopeful of stemming the tide but were quickly undone as Ribb scored their bonus point try on 42 minutes to lead 32-6. Undeterred, Hinchliffe, who never gave up, ran fully 25 metres to score a try for Heath under the posts to peg the score back to 32-13 on 48 minutes. Then came the full onslaught by Ribb as Heath capitulated into complete disarray. The next ten minutes saw Ribb score four tries to move the score on to sixty points and secure a rout. Heath did manage to score a second try through Dominic Walsh, converted by Hinchliffe, but it was insignificant as the home team rammed home their advantage with a further two tries and win the game by a significant score line. Heath were beaten soundly on the day but the players who did show up and travel on the day should not be too down hearted and should be congratulated on sticking to the task. Thankfully they will be able to re-group as they have a free week end before preparing for the visit of York on the 21st.